Monroe County Commissioners, on a recommendation by
Jeanette Harter, JFS director, voted unanimously this week
to abolish the job of Workforce/Economic Developer. The
position has been held for 14 months by Tom Scott, who
successfully organized Team Monroe.

Abolishment of the post came following an executive session requested by
Harter
for the purpose of personnel with regard to hiring and
firing. The secret session started at 1:50 p.m. Scott and
Attorney Jason Yoss entered the session at 3:35. and the
session ended at 3:55 p.m.
“I’m here to ask commissioners to consider
abolishment
of the workforce development position,” said Harter as
the open session began.
“Before I begin to read the statement of
rationale for
why, I’d like to preface my remarks by saying first and
foremost that it has been a pleasure to be able to serve
Monroe County by having an economic developer on our staff
to be able to try to help Monroe County create jobs ...”
Harter went on to say there are budget
issues and, “this
is the first place we have to look.” Explaining deficits
in the 2008 and 2009 budgets, she said the only option at
this time is to lay-off or abolish. She said cost cutting
measures were started with the reduction of mileage rates
and indicated cell phones and many other items will be
reviewed.
“By abolishing this position that is so
highly paid, we
can save almost three jobs at the [JFS]agency,” said
Harter. She said that includes children’s services
workers, child support workers and income maintenance
workers.
The director then read her statement of
rationale. In
part, it said the position is being abolished for reasons of
economy. It notes that JFS created the Economic Developer
job in 2008 for the purpose of achieving economic growth and
job creation in Monroe County. It goes on to say: “Given
the current economic situation in the state and county, jobs
are very difficult to create. This position was created by
the previous JFS director at the request of county officials
when there was no funding available elsewhere to support the
position. During FY’08 and so far in FY’09, funding has
been cut significantly for MCJFS and allocations will be
even less in FY’10 (projected at least 10 percent less).
During calendar year 2008, this position was paid from the
shared cost pool which affects every funding stream,
including children services and child support. The position
has temporarily been moved to the income maintenance cost
pool to attempt to eliminate a deficit in FY’09. There is a projected
deficit for FY’10 due to significant cuts that are nearing
the final stages at the state level, and local agency costs
need to be reduced rapidly. In addition, the state notified
us on 2-24-09 that transfers from children’s services and
child support cost pools are vital to prevent cash shortages
in the public assistance fund. These transfers are behind
from previous fiscal years and must be kept current. Without
abolishment of this position, that will not be possible.”
Harter’s rationale statement went on to say
that
economic development is not the focal point of JFS services.
It was noted the total savings as a result of this
abolishment is $83,492.68, including gross salary, OPERS,
medicare tax, meals, travel and other reimbursement.
On a motion by Commis-sioner Tim Price the
position was
abolished.
“This has been the most difficult decision
that I’ve
had to make since sitting in this chair,” said Price.
“It seems ironic that we’re faced with abolishing the
position of workforce developer based on the economy.” He
thanked Scott for all that he’s done.
Commissioner John Pyles said he echoes
Price’s
sentiment, but noted commissioners are first and foremost to
be fiscally responsible for the whole county. He noted the
$255,591. which must be cut from the budget in April.
(Editor’s note: JFS is primarily funded by
the state,
not the county. The $255,591 mentioned above is the amount
to be cut from the county’s general fund, not JFS.)
Pyles noted that Scott had brought people
together through
their involvement in Team Monroe.
“It’s a regrettable situation,” said
Commissioner
Carl Davis. “I feel that you are to be commended for the
work you did here in Monroe County. I feel you made a lot of
progress - you’ve done a lot of good for Monroe County and
impacted a lot of people, a lot of lives here.”
Harter also thanked Scott for his service
to the county.
“I also want to make the public aware that,
as director
of JFS I’m cast with a number of different things and
responsibility, and that is the safety and welfare of
children in this community. I know from looking at the
budget ... we have a significant amount of children to care
for, a significant amount of bills ... in the first two
quarters we’re in a desperate situation ...” She said
the agency is taking major cuts. “With all that’s in
front of me I have to decide what’s best for the county
and for the safety and welfare of the children,” she said.
“In all fairness to the agency and to
myself, I think
the people of the county need to understand that we funded
this position for a full year. We took it on when nobody
else wanted to and nobody else had the money to, and we did
bring a year’s worth of work to this county,” said
Harter. “I do want everyone in the public to be aware of
that because, in fairness to us, we have shouldered that
financial responsibility for a year.
“It’s nothing against Tom or the salary he
makes,”
she said, “It’s just what’s economically possible for
our agency at this time.”
“I want Tom to know that I do appreciate
the time that
he’s invested in Monroe County because we’re definitely
in a better-off place than we were before he was here.
“If I could,” Scott began, “Having been in
the
business arena many years, I know what crunching numbers is
all about. Had I had the opportunity to voluntarily reduce
my wage, I would certainly have done that.” He
acknowledged the “knock-down terrific people in the
county” that he had the privilege to work with. “It’s
been my pleasure to have had the opportunity,” he said.

Chris Williams
Two local Funeral Professionals were recently appointed to positions with
the Ohio Funeral Directors Association (OFDA) located in Columbus.
Chris Williams, a licensed Funeral
Director and Embalmer for Watters Funeral Homes in Woodsfield and
Summer-field, and Bryan E. Chandler, owner/Funeral Director and Embalmer of
the Chandler Funeral Home in Caldwell, were appointed to OFDA positions.
OFDA is the State Association for Funeral Homes in Ohio.
The main purpose of the OFDA is to
establish, cultivate and promote programs and policies that mark the passage
of life with dignity and ceremony and that meet with sensitivity the special
needs of those who survive.
Williams was appointed as the
Southeast Regional Director by the OFDA Board. He has previously served as
District President. The Southeast Region includes Districts 10, 12, 13 and
14, encompassing 30 counties in the State of Ohio.
Chandler was appointed as the
District 12 President which includes Belmont, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson,
Monroe, Noble and Washington counties. This is his second term serving as
such.
Many topics were covered at the
January meeting including Senate bill 196 Ohio Preneed Consumer Protection
Act which was recently passed into law and will go into effect April 6. This
law is in direct response to the recent situations regarding preneed theft
that has been seen in Ohio and will better protect the consumers of preneed
funerals in Ohio.
Watters and Chandler are excited
about their opportunities to serve the OFDA membership in their respective
areas. If you have any questions concerning the OFDA or the new S.B. 196
Ohio Preneed Consumer Protection Act, feel free to contact Williams at
740-472-1440 or at: or Chandler at 740-732-1311

It was a wish come true for five-year-old Eddie Alan
Church when he met his idol John Cena, a WWE Super Star.
The meeting took place thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation
which took Eddie and his family to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Photo Submitted

by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer
It’s been a long road to recovery for Eddie Alan Church
who will celebrate his sixth birthday March 14. Make-A-Wish
Foundation made this little boy’s dream come true in
January when he was awarded his wish -- a trip to New
Orleans, Louisiana, to meet WWE Super Star John Cena!

Eddie and his mother Tammy Surell were in a car accident
near Baker & Sons Equipment on SR145 on Oct. 7, 2007.
Eddie was four years old.

When the car went through a wooden fence, a piece of the
fence went through the window striking Eddie on the right
side of the head. Eddie was life-flighted to Children’s Hospital in
Morgantown, W. Va. where he underwent surgery to remove the
damaged pieces of his skull and brain tissue. According to
his mother, there was just skin slapped over the right side
of his little head.

After his recuperation in Morgantown, Eddie was
transferred to Children’s Hospital in Columbus for
in-house therapy to learn to walk and talk again. He also
had to learn to compensate for the weakness in his body. He
spent 34 days there until he was well enough to come home.

But recovery takes a long time. Eddie had to wear a helmet
to protect his head, walked with a three-legged cane, wore a
brace on his left leg and on his hand.
June 2008 brought a return to Morgantown where his skull
was repaired. He was there for three days ... but that was
not the end of this ordeal. An infection in the skull
necessitated a trip to Wheeling Hospital. Doctors had to go
back in, clean out the skull and replace it with all
titanium. “Since the last surgery, he has been doing
nicely,” said his mother.

After reading the article on Karley Williams in the Monroe
County Beacon, Eddie’s mother went on-line to the
Make-A-Wish website and asked that her son’s wish be
granted.

If you remember, Karley Sue Williams, the daughter of
Jimmy and Becky Williams, was born Oct. 29, 2005 with
Carnitine Palmitoyl Trans-ferase Deficiency Type II, one of
32 genetic disorders. Her wish for a full-sized playhouse
was granted. Karley was also the 2008 poster child for the
Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Representatives from Make-A-Wish met with Eddie and his
family and told them Eddie’s wish would be granted! He was
going to meet his WWE idol John Cena!

Eddie and his mother and father, Eddie Church, were picked
up Jan. 4 at their Stafford home and taken to Akron-Canton
Airport where they boarded a plane to New Orleans. The plane
tickets, hotel, rental car and spending money were provided
by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Eddie and his family met with the wrestling star and
enjoyed a photo op with him. Eddie received an autographed
photo which is displayed in his room. Cena has also written
a couple of letters since their meeting checking on
Eddie’s progress.

While in New Orleans, the family had a chance to tour the
city, visit an aquarium, Bourbon Street and other points of
interest.Eddie and his family appreciate all the help they have
received since the accident. The cards, letters, money and
support during the tough times are deeply appreciated.
“I am so proud of Eddie for not giving up. He fought to
be a typical boy. We do believe in miracles,” said Tammy.
“Even though Eddie is a little weak on his left side, we
have him and enjoy every minute with him.”
Eddie is in pre-school and will enter kindergarten at
Skyvue Elementary this fall.

To better enhance
their business Bernard and Linda Dick,
owners of Dick’s Service Center, have expanded to
Grab-N-Go to better serve their customers. Shown, from left,
front, are: Jo Eddy and Tracey Craig of the Monroe County
Chamber of Commerce; Bernard Dick; back: Jennifer Childress,
employee; Steve Pell, Hunts Brothers representative; and
Linda Dick.
by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer
There’s a new look and lots more inventory
at Dick’s
Service Center, located at 768 Lewisville Road (State Route
78 west), Woodsfield. To better serve their customers,
owners Bernard and Linda Dick have expanded their business,
adding a Grab-N-Go.
“We’ve been talking about this expansion
for a few
years,” said Bernard. “It gives our customers more
options.”
The new expansion includes Hunt
Brothers Pizza. Customers
can select a large 12 inch original or thin crust pizza with
up to 10 toppings including pepperoni, Italian sausage,
beef, bacon, bell peppers, black olives, banana peppers,
jalapenos, mushrooms and onions, at no extra charge.
Customers were standing in line for a
sample of the new
pizza Feb. 27 during an open house celebrating the new
expansion.
Adding to the Marathon gasoline and tire
operation, in
addition to the pizza, the new expansion also offers
customers a one-stop for staples including sugar, cereal,
condiments, daily care items, laundry detergent, soups, and
pet food. There is a nice selection of chips, cookies and
candy to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings. The coolers are
stocked with energy juices, soft drinks, orange juice, water
and more.
In addition to the food stuffs, Dick’s
Service Center
Grab-N-Go also has a line of automotive care products, along
with wiper blades, additives, gas cans, work gloves and even
a portable air tank.
Dick’s Service Center Grab-N-Go is open 6
a.m. to 7 p.m.
daily with extended hours coming soon.
For more information or to order a pizza,
call
740-472-1318.

Hannibal Elementary students placed second in the regional
Mathcounts which was held Feb. 21 at Belmont Technical
College in St. Clairsville. Team members shown with Sheila
Thomas, seventh and eighth grade math teacher and coach,
are, from left: Jason Miller, Katie Plas, Alex Thomas and
Eric Dierkes.

Over 100 middle school students or “mathletes”
converged on Belmont Technical College Feb. 21 for the
annual Mathcounts competition.
Hannibal Elementary snagged a second place
spot in the
regional Eastern Ohio Chapter of the Mathcounts competition.
Team member are Eric Dierkes, son of Kelly and Tabi Dierkes,
Woodsfield; Jason Miller, son of Dr. Brad and Jodi Miller,
Sardis; Katie Plas, daughter of Greg and Twila Plas,
Hannibal; and Alex Thomas, son of Bill and Sheila Thomas,
Hannibal. Sheila Thomas, seventh and eighth grade math
teach, coaches the team.
Alex Thomas, an eighth grader, placed
second and Jason
Miller, a seventh grader, placed third in individuals. Alex
and Jason will advance to Mathcounts state competition to be
held in Columbus March 14 to compete as individual
mathletes. Winners at the state level then advance to the
national finals to be held in May at Walt Disney World.
It is no coincidence that “mathlete” and
“athlete”
are very similar as the competition often resembles that of
an athletic event when participants race to hit a buzzer
with cheers of encouragement ringing throughout the hall.
Mathcounts is a national math enrichment,
coaching and
competition program that promotes middle school mathematics
achievement.

GERTRUDE E. HAMILTON
Gertrude E. Hamilton, 95, 42031 SR 800,
Woodsfield, died
March 1, 2009, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She was born
June 5, 1913 near Woodsfield,, a daughter of the late Thomas
and Evaline Mae Wohnhas Hamilton. Online condolences may be
expressed at www.wattersfuneralhome.com.

LAWRENCE EDWARD‘EDDIE’ KNOWLTON JR.
Lawrence Edward (Eddie) Knowlton Jr., 62,
of Grays-ville,
passed away suddenly Feb. 22, 2009 at his home. He was born
April 2, 1946, in Monroe County, Ohio, a son of Eileen Cline
Knowlton of Graysville and the late Lawrence E. Knowlton.

HAROLD WINKLER
Harold F. Winkler, Musking-um St., Sardis, died March 2,
2009 at Wetzel County Hospital, New Mar-tinsville, W.Va., He
was born Nov. 16, 1921 in Sardis, the son of the late Harry
and Rose Straub Winkler. Sympathy
expressions at
grisellfuneralhomes.com.

Dear Editor,
> My husband, Norm, and I were
privileged to attend a
> meeting at Beallsville High School regarding the upcoming
> school levy. A great deal of important information was
> discussed along with a video that shows the awful condition
> of our schools.
> Norm and I have moved 11 times over
our 34 years of
> marriage, mostly due to his job. We had to move our two sons
> three times during their school years. Our first priority
> was to check into the schools available. The school system
> is a very important piece of our children’s lives and we
> feel Monroe County is in great need of updating or replacing
> its schools.
> We lived in Clermont County, Ohio in
the very small town
> of Bethel (smaller than Woodsfield) which is about 30 miles
> from Cincinnati. Bethel finally got a levy passed and put in
> new schools with up-to- date facilities. That small town is
> now probably double in size. Many people now look at Bethel
> as a quiet small town suburb of Cincinnati with excellent
> schools and are moving into the area.
> We then moved to Jackson, Ohio which
was about one and a
> half times the size of Woodsfield when we moved in.
> Residents voters approved a levy for new schools and they
> are now three times the size of Woodsfield. Again, they have
> wonderful facilities to provide students of Jackson County
> with an excellent education. Norm and I both feel that “If
> you build them they will come” and new schools would be a
> great way to grow our county.
> Also, new schools will provide our
children with the
> facilities they need to be competitive when they go on to
> college or seek better jobs.
> I wonder about the conditions of our
schools and how we
> can get by with them. Norm and I strongly encourage each and
> every Monroe County resident to look at all the information
> being made available concerning the bond levy. Look at the
> amount of funding that we are getting and the fact that all
> areas of the school district are getting new or refurbished
> schools without having to consolidate. This is a one time
> only offer that will go away in June and will be the best
> funding we will ever get.
> Please vote yes for the Switzerland of
Ohio School Bond
> levy in May!
> Ruth and Norman Workman
> Lewisville>
> Dear Editor,
> I agree with Wilma West and her letter
she wrote to inform
> the public of th evils of abortion. Abortion affects us all.
> Killing the unborn diminishes society’s view of the value
> of life itself. I think this is reflective in the increase
> of violence in all society. While it isn’t the main cause
> it surely contributes to the lack of respect for life. We
> need to defend the defenseless. Our voices need to be heard.
> To that end the addresses of our representatives are
> included. Please write or call:
> • Senator George Voinovich, United
States Senator,
> Washington, DC 20510
> Phone: 1-202-224-3353.
> •Senator Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator,
U.S. Senate,
> Washington D.C. 20510.
> Phone: 1-202-224-2315
> • Rep. Charles Wilson, U.S. House of
Representatives,
> Washington, D.C. 20515
> Phone: 1-740-633-5705
> Ask them to vote against the Freedom
of Choice Act or any
> similar measure.
> Sincerely,
> Terri Gordon, Woodsfield

Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive
> their reward.
> Only simpletons believe everything
they are told! The
> prudent carefully consider their steps.
> Do you still have the yellow sheet
asking for stories of
> yesteryear? Perhaps you lost it or have thrown it away. They
> can still use your story if you would take the time to sit
> down and jot it on paper. I am certain there are hundreds of
> stories in the county that are worth sharing or they will be
> lost.
> No problem. Just write your story as
you would tell it.
> After doing this, you have a couple of things you can do.
> Use your yellow sheet to mail your story. If no yellow
> sheet, mail your letter to Hometown Memories, 1030 15th Ave.
> N.W., Hickory, NC 28601. Include your name, phone number,
> year of birth and probably a statement allowing them to
> publish the story. You might want to include Code #49-77. If
> you have questions, you can call toll free 1-877-491-8802.
> Now, if you’d rather not mail it to
the Hometown
> Memories, you can send them to me and I will forward them. I
> know many of you have a story about outhouses, wringer
> washers, farm animals and such. Share them so others can
> enjoy. April 30 is the deadline.
> As I write, the Beallsville and Monroe
Central girls
> basketball teams are still going great.
> I’m not much to surf the TV stations.
Some time ago we
> went to the Dish Network but held on to basic cable. I can
> now watch some of my favorite programs such as Green Acres,
> Beverly Hillbillies, Hee Haw, all kinds of sports and the
> like. Many of them dating back to the middle 80’s. I
> don’t care. I enjoy them.
> We normally watch the first 15 minutes
of Jay Leno before
> calling it a day. The other evening I wondered what was on
> the other basic channels. Wow! I turned to Channel 15 and
> there it was. Two people, man and woman in bed, no clothes,
> no blankets. I don’t think even digital, H.D. or anything
> makes it plainer about what they were up to. I shook my head
> and turned the TV quickly to another station.
> I got to thinking maybe this was a one
time thing and
> flipped to 15 again. This time there was a man and woman
> tearing each others clothes off and getting with it so it
> seemed. I even called Esther’s attention to it just to
> prove I wasn’t kidding when I told her about it a few
> nights before. I’m not sure what channel is on 15, but I
> know who isn’t watching.
> I couldn’t help thinking. We didn’t
have TV growing up
> (lucky us). If we did have and I saw something like this it
> would have scared me simple.
> I do know if my mom had seen a picture
like this, the TV,
> digital box, DVD, VCR, HD and everything connected to it
> would have been thrown over the hill never to see the light
> of day again.
> My dad liked to ferment some wine
every so often. He had
> to keep it hidden because mom would pour it out if she found
> it.
> When is the weather going to settle
down? I guess as you
> get older, the less and less you enjoy winter weather. I
> know it has happened to me. I guess maybe it is because we
> were outside so much more than kids seem to be today. With
> Wii and other video games, TV, a computer, cell phones and
> the like, why go outside?
> We did have radio and had several
programs we listened to
> almost every day. We didn’t have those kind you plug into
> your ear and listen to what some call music. The first radio
> I remember was a battery operated thing. Rather large, it
> had three tuning dials that needed to be tuned to the same
> spot to receive a signal. I think KDKA came in plain at the
> time.
> Every once in a while you read or see
something that
> reminds you of a thing that has happened to you. In this
> week’s Beacon someone was informing those Marines
> stationed at Camp LeJeune, N.C. from 1957 to 1987 might have
> been drinking bad water.
> I recalled I went from Norfolk to
LeJeune for which I was
> happy to get out of Norfolk. I think this was when the mess
> hall served iced coffee at noon and hot tea for supper.
> Our outfit was not a great gung ho
outfit. Once they took
> us to the rifle range to fire weapons. When we missed the
> target, someone in the bunker waved a flag called
> “Maggie’s drawers.” Needless to say, Maggie’s
> drawers waved a lot while we were firing away. Those in
> charge were really confused when they found out some targets
> had 11 or 12 holes and only 10 shots fired. Some of us were
> shooting at someone else’s target. One favorite target was
> a buddy’s target who wanted to win a marksman’s metal.
> Sorry, not today.
> A little dab of Monroe County history.
Did you know that
> every president from Ohio was defeated in Monroe County?
> This is the only county in the state with this record. This
> isn’t all.Lincoln was defeated 4-1 in the county. Jackson
> must have been a popular guy as he carried the county by 60
> percent.
> I almost forgot. The water at Camp
LeJeune must have been
> okay back in the 1940’s when I spent time there.
> Biting remarks are often due to bad
judgement.
> Bible readings: From Psalms (Mon.)
60:1-5, 11, 12; (Tues.)
> 80:1-7; (Wed.) 85:1-9; (Thurs.) Lamentations 5:15-21; (Fri.)
> Jeremiah 31:7-9, 16-20; (Sat.) Jeremiah 15:15-21; Ezekiel
> 36:22-32.